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What to do if it rains at your Wedding?

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If your wedding is just around the corner you’ve probably been refreshing the 10-day forecast every other hour. The last thing you want is bad weather on your wedding day, but sometimes it’s simply unavoidable and it’s important you have a Plan B.

This means if that dreaded rain cloud does appear on the weather forecast, you can still relax and enjoy your wedding day as you’ve already got a back-up plan in place. Note – this is much better than having a breakdown on the morning of your wedding because your ceremony is based outside and it’s pouring with rain.

Prepare your photographer

A good wedding photographer will have a back-up plan for bad weather. However, it’s always worthwhile showing them around the venue before the big day so they can see possible areas to shoot if photographing outside is impossible. This will save a whole ton of time on the day! Photographers can also take some seriously romantic shots in the rain if you’re brave enough.

Always accessorise

Stock up on some pretty umbrellas and colourful wellies! Supply your guests with a box of brollies (they might not be as prepared as you) and match the colours to the theme of your wedding day. This will also look fab in your wedding photographs.

Choose a summer wedding

If you know this is something you are really going to stress about, to the point where it takes over and you end up dreading your big day, choose to have a summer wedding as it’s way less likely to rain.

Have a back-up plan

If you’re planning on having an outdoor ceremony, always book a venue that has a back-up option if it rains. It’s extra helpful if you have the option to switching to an indoor ceremony at the last minute, if not, ensure there is cover if it does rain!

Avoid any make-up disasters

If you want to keep your make-up looking perfect for the whole day, including if it rains, set your foundation with a primer. Wear waterproof mascara and water-resistant foundation, just to be extra safe!

Embrace it

If it rains on your wedding day, there’s not much you can do about it so simply embrace it! Do not let it stop you and your hubby enjoying your special day. It also makes for some seriously romantic photographs in the rain…

Smart Wedding Apps

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Appy Couple – £25

A great app that allows you to create a mini website to announce your engagement. Once they’re on the site, your guests have everything they need to know about the big day – people can RSVP to different parts of your wedding, browse the gift list and more, replacing paperwork and keeping key elements of the big day in one place.

Wedding Snap – Free

This handy app means you won’t miss a single photo from your big day, as it gathers guests’ smartphone snaps and compiles them in an online album that can be viewed in real time anywhere in the world. Plus, the live slideshow function also means the pictures can be shared during the reception itself, which adds a nice personal touch.

WeddingHappy – Free

When it comes to organisation, WeddingHappy is great for making sure nothing is missed. The app remembers your wedding date and keeps you on track to ensure everything gets done on time, as well as helping out with which tasks to tackle when. A one-stop shop to wedding planning ease.

Colour Inspector – Free

The days of carrying around colour swatches are over with this app that turns your iPhone into a colour detector. You can rest assured that everything you choose will be ‘on brand’ and nothing will be sticking out like a sore thumb

The Colour Genius – Free

This clever app from L’Oreal picks the perfect cosmetics for any attire, making sure that months of careful outfit planning isn’t ruined by bad makeup – great for passing on to your mum and bridesmaids.

With some Apps that are free, there is no excuse for you not to plan the perfect Wedding!!

10 rules if you’re considering a marriage proposal

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If you’re thinking about a marriage proposal, there are many pit holes you should try to avoid when planning to utter those 4 special words. Here are 10 golden rules that you should follow if you’re considering a marriage proposal.

If she ever points a ring out in a shop window, go back and buy it. Otherwise a temporary ring will be just fine – a girl needs to choose her own ring. Haribos make some fun, colourful ones.

Ask her Dad for his daughter’s hand in marriage. You’ll be amazed what this will achieve. He might even say yes, thump you on the back and take you down to the pub for a beer.

If you whisk her away somewhere to do it, do it early on – don’t leave it till the last minute or when you’re packing up to go home. You’ll want the time to make plans, feel all coupley and get used to the idea that you’re in it for keeps.

Don’t do it in the heat of emotion or passion. People have different opinions on things when their senses are highly stimulated and you don’t want her changing her mind. Similarly, you don’t want to wake up the next morning regretting it.

Don’t bring too much alcohol into the mix either. A drunken proposal is a bad idea, not least because you won’t be able to re-live each moment when you’re telling the tale. And you’ll want to enjoy the ensuing Champagne. A beer or couple of shots for Dutch Courage is fine, but stop right there.

If she’s the sort of person who hates being surprised, or can’t bear being the centre of attention, don’t be dragging her up onto the stage at a Take That concert. She’ll probably say yes but mean no, and will find the whole thing humiliating and embarrassing, ruining the moment for her.

Conversely, if she likes spontaneity, it’s worth writing to her favourite band, nightclub or football team to ask for their help. It’s a great spectator sport this proposal lark.

State from the start how much you want to be involved in the planning. Talk to her. You don’t want to wake up the next day with no clue where to start or how to help. She might produce a list she’s been compiling for years of what she wants, so get in there quickly.

Don’t propose unless you are fully committed to setting a date. Getting engaged isn’t a mere gesture, or to be used to pacify your girlfriend, it’s a commitment to marry, to spend the rest of your life together.

Make it fun – if you’re not one for PDAs, be a bit creative at home. You could spend the day planning and preparing the house for her return to work – lay a trail of petals to the ring, make a treasure hunt, be waiting at her favourite restaurant, in a quiet corner (send a text saying: “You’re late, I’m at the restaurant”) or be waiting under a tree on your favourite country walk. You could even tie it on a ribbon round her kitten’s neck – just do it! Good luck!!

Do’s and don’ts of proposing

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Did you know one in 20 married couples are currently making plans to make the big proposal at Christmas or New Year – that’s an estimated 789,775 people nationwide! Receiving the ring as a present when it’s just the two of you was voted the preferred method.

The figure was revealed following a survey asking 2,000 Brits the dos and don’ts when popping the question over the festive period. Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year and, and it couldn’t be a more romantic time to take the next step in your relationship. Novelty moves such as tying a beautiful ring to the collar of a pet, hanging it on the tree or dropping it in a champagne flute can all be fun yet stand-out ways of popping the question. But as the results show, presenting a ring when it’s just the two of you will always be the ultimate truly romantic memory.

The most desired festive proposal would be when the couple are alone rather than in public, with three in ten who said opening a present to find an engagement ring would be the ideal scenario. One in four wanted their other half to get down on one knee in the snow, with 27 per cent who envision hearing the big question in front of a romantic log fire. Hiding a ring in a cracker, spelling out ‘Will You Marry Me’ in fairy lights, and giving a ‘For my Fiancé’ Christmas card with a ring taped inside were also listed as perfect proposal moments. 

DO

1. Get their parent’s permission
2. Find out whether they’d like a private or public proposal
3. Gauge what their ring style is before buying
4. Have them open the ring as a Christmas present
5. Keep the ring in a different hiding place to the presents
6. Consider whether they’d want a Christmas Day proposal
7. Make sure the receipt for the ring is well hidden
8. If you’re going to propose over the family dinner, let their parents know first
9. Wait for the perfect moment
10. Use a romantic setting such as a log fire, out in the snow or over a romantic dinner

DON’T

1. Blurt a proposal after too many drinks
2. Give the engagement ring as their only present
3. Propose during EastEnders, Dr.Who or the Queen’s speech
4. Pop the question during turkey preparation
5. Accidentally hide the ring in a plate served up to Gran
6. Arrange an elaborate stunt, such as a Christmas elf flash mob, unless you know they’d like it
7. Don’t tell everybody and let them be the last to know

4 Special moments of wedding planning

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Wedding planning has its moments where you want someone else to take charge and do it for you, but it’s full of special moments and feelings you’ll never, ever forget. Here are just a few we’re sure every bride-to-be will agree with…

Telling everyone you’re engaged

It genuinely won’t get old, not even if you have a huge gap between the question being popped and the big day actually happening. You don’t want to miss any chance at showing off your ring, telling the proposal story, and just genuinely beaming about your husband-to-be – even if you’ve told the same people four times…

Starting up Pinterest

Say ‘hello’ to every bride-to-be’s best friend for amazing wedding inspiration – starting up a Pininterest board named ‘Wedding’, or finally being able to stop being secretive about that wedding board you started within months (or weeks) of your relationship, equals one very excited bride-to-be. From inspiration to DIY ideas, you’ll find it!

Finding the perfect dress

Some brides-to-be find the whole of the Wedding dress shopping experience lots of fun, but we’re well aware some don’t – whether it’s because you hate shopping or your search seems to be going nowhere. BUT, we know for a fact that finding that perfect dress is a magical moment. Smiles, tears, and lots of looking at yourself in the mirror are guaranteed.

Walking down the aisle

This is it, this is the moment every bride-to-be waits for! Seeing her future hubby at the end of the aisle – most likely in awe of how beautiful you look – waiting to say ‘I do’. It would be impossible for anyone not to feel like a princess in a moment like this.

And that’s it, you’re not a bride-to-be anymore. But don’t worry, there are plenty more special moments to come; from the first introduction as Mr and Mrs, to the rest of your lives together.

How to announce your engagement right

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Given the fact Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us, there are going to be a few couples that want to announce their engagement; but how do you announce your engagement without clogging up your family and friends’ news feeds? 

Make it priceless for your parents

Both sets of parents might already know that the proposal was on the horizon, but traditionally the mother and the father of the bride should be the first to hear about your happy news. But instead of the teary and excitable call, FaceTime yourselves writing ‘We’re engaged’ in the sand – or maybe even the snow (if possible)!

If you’re not lucky enough to be on holiday, spell it out in chocolates. Whatever you do, make it different – this is one of the most exciting announcements you’ll ever make.

Say it with a surprise

It’s time to prepare for screams, excitement and ring admiration from your inner circle of best friends. They might not have had the wonderful Valentine’s Day that you did, but no doubt your girls will be full of delight and excited to start planning your big day.

Show your nearest and dearest that you value them by sharing the news in a personal way. Organise a champagne and tea party, and flash your ring as you pop the cork. Witnessing the look of happiness and joy face-to-face will be far more rewarding then receiving an array of emoticons on WhatsApp.

Bring out the balloons

Balloons mean you have something to celebrate! People put them outside their house for birthday parties and to announce the birth of a baby, but why not bring out the balloons to showcase your engagement? People will soon realise your wonderful news, and you’ll watch the chocolates and flowers pour through your door!

Celebrate good times

Can you ever get bored of drinking champagne or toasting to your happy future? Hopefully not! What better way to announce your engagement to your wider social network than to throw a party? It’s the perfect way to tell everyone how your fiancé got down on one knee! Just watch the delight on their faces as you flash your sparkly rock.

Save the date

Once you’ve decided on your date, whether it’s in three months’ time or three years’ time, get it in your guests’ diaries. Wedding season is a busy affair and you don’t want to lose numbers to someone else’s event. For maximum effect, send a save the date via post so they can shine on everyone’s mantelpieces!

The official invite

The wedding venue is booked, the caterers and cars have been organised and the band knows what to play. Now it’s time to get the official invite in the post to cement your engagement and prepare your guests for the wedding of the year!

Mr & Mrs

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Welcome to the all-new Mr & Mrs Quiz for 2016! Back in the 1970s there was a TV game show called Mr and Mrs, where the contestants were asked to answer questions about their partner. If the answers matched, they won! And this got us thinking – how well do you know your own husband or wife-to-be?

So just for fun, we’ve made a Mr & Mrs Quiz especially for you! Do the quiz with your husband to be on a cosy night in or get the answers from the groom-to-be and then take it to your Hen night!

Here are a few suggestions:

What’s the one thing, apart from you that he’d save in a fire?
His job, his friends, his hobbies and you – put them in order of priority!
What would he say is most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?
What’s the name of his favourite celebrity crush?
What’s the most unusual place you’ve had sex?
What would he say is your most annoying habit?
What would you say is his most annoying habit?
What’s his favourite sexual position?
Who’s got a higher libido, you or him?
Who would play him in a movie of his life?
What’s his favourite part of your body?
What’s your favourite part of his body?
Where does your h2b want to go on honeymoon?
How many children does he want?
What year did you get together?
After how many dates did you sleep together?
How do you like to fall asleep? Cuddling or apart?
Would you trust him to choose your wedding dress?
How many times did he take his driving test?
What’s his favourite meal?
What’s his special name for you? And yours for him?
Would you rather spend an evening out with his parents or your parents?
What’s his favourite song? And what would he say your favourite song is?
What’s the first movie you ever saw together?
What’s his favourite time of year?
What were his exact words when he proposed?

Wedding must-haves

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Your wedding dress

We’ve all heard horror stories from brides who chose to risk buying their wedding dress from an online seller. We have so many calls from brides who have been let down by an internet supplier, receiving a dress in a condition not at all as described or how they’d pictured.

Every bride deserves the one-on-one attention they will receive visiting a bridal store. It’s the most important item of clothing you’ll ever buy: make a day of it – make a week of it! It’s an experience you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Your perfect venue

Finding the perfect venue is like finding the perfect pair of shoes: they should fit beautifully straight away!

Just as influential as the dress, your wedding venue will say a lot about the type of wedding you are having. Not only is it the backdrop for your photos – the pictures you’ll cherish for a whole lifetime – but the venue also acts as a prompt for your guests: it sets the scene and will give them a hint of the day to come.

When searching for venues, couples often comment that ‘the one’ hit them like a thunderbolt. It fitted their theme perfectly; it accommodated all of their guests; the grounds were stunning and it ticked all the right boxes. Don’t be tempted to compromise on the venue. It will add to that sense of ‘specialness’ by marking your big day out as something unique and memorable. It’s the venue that helps to set apart a wedding from a run-of-the-mill party.

Gastronomical delights

If Jamie, Marco and Gordon are all unexpectedly unavailable, never fear – there are some delicious taste-bud treats out there!

Hugely important, the food for your big day will play a big part of your guest’s opinions about your wedding. Hungry or dissatisfied guests are a big no-no. Treat your guests to a gastronomical delight. And it doesn’t have to be super fancy, either – bangers and mash is always a winner – just make sure that there will be enough for everyone.

Common regrets

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Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, but that doesn’t mean that things always go smoothly and as planned…

Enjoy the wedding morning

Getting ready on the morning of the wedding is bound to be stressful, but make sure you take time to relax and enjoy it with a glass of champers! It’s the one time you’ll be pampered within an inch of your life so sit back and look forward to what is to come…

Don’t go hungry

Couples actually forget to eat during their wedding day! You’ll be super busy greeting and thanking guests, that you might not have time to eat the delicious wedding breakfast you spent all that money on. Make sure you allow you and your hubby time to sit down and enjoy the meal.

Book a DJ

A lot of couples try to save money on wedding entertainment, and rather than booking a decent DJ they create a playlist on their iPod. Yes, this does save a ton of money but a good DJ will make sure all of your guests get up on the dance floor for a groove!

Comfort over style

Even though those glitzy stilettos may look gorgeous, will you last in them all day? If you’re opting for high heels for the ceremony, make sure you bring flats along too! Many brides end up in pain towards the end of the day due to their heels. We all know the feeling, so if you want to enjoy every second of your special day, sometimes being comfy is best!

Beauty trials

Always make sure you have a hair and make-up trial before your wedding morning. There would be nothing more stressful than hating your hair and make-up whilst knowing it’s too late to change it. We recommend having at least 2 trials before your big day to make sure it’s perfect!

Photographs and memories

Mobiles are perfect for snaps, but you should also bring a camera, charger and some spare memory cards to catch shots of your memorable first holiday as husband and wife together.

Finally, a basic first aid kit is always a good idea. Make sure you pack some pain killers, insect repellent, insect bit ointment, plasters and tablets for upset tummies. You know the rule, if you pack it you won’t need it, so make sure you pack a first aid kit!

The Grooms to-do list

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Men aren’t usually as good at multi-tasking as women and many have a habit of leaving things until the last moment.

So, to stop the stress factor rocketing, we’ve created a last-minute checklist for your new hubby-to-be so he can see at a glance what he has to do and when – and you get the peace of mind of knowing that he’s on the case, hopefully.

A ring is an everlasting symbol of your love and commitment for one another and it’s the groom’s job to get the rings organised. No pressure there then!

Your husband to-be needs to buy wedding rings for both of you and check that they are the correct sizes. If you’re having something bespoke created then you need to be sure that the rings are going to be ready in time, and the pair will need to be cleaned and tucked away somewhere safe until the big day. Your rings are a main event when you tie the knot so it’s essential that they fit correctly and that he has them ready.

Losing the rings may be something that happens in sit-coms but it has been known to happen in real life, too! It’s traditionally the best man’s job to take care of them in the church and hand them over to the groom in time for the ceremony.

Most grooms rise to the occasion of their wedding and dress smartly, even if they don’t go the traditional morning coat and tails look.

Whatever type of wedding suit your fiancé wears, it needs to fit him perfectly and should be cleaned and brushed. He needs to have every aspect of his outfit in place and organised well in advance and absolutely not go shopping the day before.

Take his suit out of its bag and hang it up the night before to air and allow any creases time to fall out. It’s also a good idea for him to have a spare shirt handy, just in case something gets spilled down his front at the last minute.

Wedding accessories are also key to a groom’s look. Firstly, he needs to have some new socks on. They don’t have to be black, if he wants to rock a colour or stripes then let him. Just make sure his socks don’t have holes! Other accessories he’ll need to have are cufflinks for his shirt, his tie or cravat and any other option extra’s that he wants to wear with his outfit.

His shoes should be shiny and polished and if they’re new he needs to wear them in a bit before the big day – just as you have been wearing in your wedding shoes. He might want to wear a tie pin as a piece of jewellery and if you want to give him a gift of jewellery for your day, then this is something to consider.

Just like you, your groom needs to be thinking about his hair on your big day (just think of the photographs you’re going to have taken). He should have it cut no more than a week before the big day. If he wears it longer it needs to be shaped and if it’s short, then it needs to look sharp.

If you want to treat him, you could organise for him to have a cut and shave at a high end hair salon so he feels really special.